St Paul's Cathedral Climb

St Paul's Cathedral Climb

Thursday 8th February 2018

​On 1 February, the Heart Valve Voice team invited patients and volunteers to join them on a climb to the top of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Inspired by one of our patient ambassadors Peter Robinson who came up with the idea, the group, tackled the 528 steps to the top of the Dome in St Paul’s.

Fellow patient ambassadors Pat Khan and Marina McGrath, Trustee Keith Jackson and a handful of volunteers were there to support the charity and participate in the climb. After an early breakfast the team excitedly made their way to the top of the cathedral dome, stopping to rest and take in the majesty of the views from each of the three levels. Pat and Marina led the group, and had no trouble getting to the top. “I can’t believe that only three years ago both Marina and I were struggling to walk up the stairs or keep up with our friends, and now we’re leading the pack to the top of St. Paul's cathedral. What a great experience!” said Pat.

With this event, we hoped to further our quest in raising awareness of not only heart valve disease but also of the symptoms that accompany it. One of the key symptoms of valve disease is breathlessness and often our patients tell us one of the struggles they experience before they are treated for valve disease is finding themselves getting breathless while climbing the stairs in their home. By asking our patients to participate in a climb of the St Paul’s steps, they have helped us demonstrate that valve disease treatment can be a life changing thing and that climbing stairs no longer needs to be an issue.

“Our patients are a true inspiration not only to us at Heart Valve Voice but to all of the other patients diagnosed with valve disease like themselves,” said Wil Woan, Heart Valve Voice CEO. “By having our patients join us on this climb we hope to show everyone that valve disease is not only treatable but that you can get your life back and then some after being treated!”

“This has just been the best day!” said Marina, “I walked every step up to the top for my fellow valve disease patients and I am happy to be able to show how great life can be after treatment.”

We are so proud of everyone who was there on the day, thanks for all of your support!